New All Blacks captain Mils Muliaina admitted his team were 'bitterly disappointed' with their loss to France.

Having taken over the leadership mantle in the absence of the injured flanker Richie McCaw, Muliaina had a less experienced side than usual under his care and the French took toll of that when hitting the All Blacks hard from the outset with some tough driving mauls.

"They out-muscled us in the first 30 minutes and we missed some crucial tackles," he said.

From an early part of the game, the All Blacks were forced to play catch-up rugby.

"I was delighted with the way we came back from 17-3 down, but we couldn't quite get there," he said.

Muliaina was confident the side could turn the performance around for Saturday's second Test in Dunedin, a win it will need if the side is to retain the Dave Gallaher Trophy.

"The French drove well and it was pretty physical in there," he said.

"But I know for sure we can get a lot better.

"It is tough but we have all been trying hard. We didn't play as well as we wanted to but we will get tighter as a group and look to improve."